At The Opera, R. Strauss: Salome - July 20, 2013

Salome, Op. 54, is an opera in one act by Richard Strauss to a German libretto by the composer, based on the New Testament story about the Daughter of Herodias and from Hedwig Lachmann's German translation of the French play Salomé by Oscar Wilde.

The opera is famous for its "Dance of the Seven Veils". It is now better known for the more shocking final scene, where Salome declares her love to – and kisses – the severed head of John the Baptist. This 1995 recording stars Catherine Malfitano and Bryn Terfel. Christoph Von Dohnanyi conducts.